Madison News

Slow start for strawberries

This year's strawberry season is getting off to a slow start. Cool temperatures that have extended well into June have delayed the season.

Dave Mischler operates Mischler Berry Farm in Waupun. He says that in most years, he'd already be done picking his early berries by this time. He says the farm is almost always picking by Father's Day, which was Sunday.

But this year, his berries still need a few more sunny days. Strawberry growers plant multiple varieties _ early, late early, mid-season and late-season.

The varieties ripen about four days apart, which lets farms stretch the picking out about a month. They say that this year, picking could extend into mid-July.